Thankfully, child cancer is rare. However, it does occur and, therefore, has to be considered.
Clearly, cancers associated with adult life and work will not affect children. Asbestos related cancer (Mesothelioma) would be extremely unlikely as the chances of a child breathing in millions of particles simply will not happen.
It is strongly believed that living near to a nuclear facility provides a real risk of starting a cancer in children and so it is wise to be aware of this.
The incidence of cancer in children usually begins in the first year of their lives but the good news is that the survival rate is very high.
Neuroblastoma is argued to be the most common extracranial solid cancer in childhood and infancy. Its solid tumors, which take the form of a lump or mass, mostly begin in one of the adrenal glands, though they can also develop in nerve tissues in the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis
The cause of Neuroblastoma is unknown, though most believe that it is an accidental cell growth that occurs during normal development of the adrenal glands.
Leukemia (cancer of the blood or bone marrow) is possibly an equal risk but should be spotted in its very early stages so that effective treatment can be obtained.
There are other cancer types in children but these are usually diagnosed early on and dealt with.
Relative survival for infants is very good for Neuroblastoma and Retinoblastoma, fairly good (80%) for leukemia, but not so good for most other types of cancer.
Male and female infants have about the same overall cancer incidence rates but not so with older children.
White infants have higher cancer rates than black infants. Leukemia accounts for a great proportion of this difference, the average annual rate for white infants being considerably higher than for black infants.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Asbestos and Mesothelioma Associated Occupations
Aerospace production, Aircraft manufacturing, Aircraft mechanics, Textile Mill Workers Automobile Manufacturing, Motor Mechanics, Boilermakers, Brake and Clutch Manufacturers, Assembly Workers, Brake Mechanics, Bricklayers, Building Engineers, Building Material Manufacturers, Carpenters,Cement Finishers, Cement plant production worker, Coastguard, Construction Workers, Crane Operators, Demolition and wrecking crews, Electricians, Foundry Workers, Insulation Manufacturers, Insulator, Labourer, Lathers, Longshoreman, Machinists, Masonary Workers, Navy, Merchant Mariners, Navy Yard workers, Millwrights, Packing and gasket manufacturing plant workers, Painters, Paper Mill Workers, Paperworkers, Pipe Coverer, Pipefitters, Plant workers, Plasterers, Plumbers, Powerhouse Workers, Protective clothing and glove makers, Railway workers, Refinery workers, Refractory products plant workers, Roofers, Rubber workers, Tyre makers, Hose makers, Sailors, Sheetmetal worker, Shipyard workers, Steamfitters, Tapers, Teachers,Warehouse Workers,Welders.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
CANCER TRUTHS STATISTICS
CANCER STATISTICS
Incidences of Cancer vary between male and female. Clearly, the different body shapes will attract different areas of cancer but, in general, the figures show that both sexes can suffer roughly the same general percentages of the disease.
Below, you will find the average figures for cancers – male and female separately.
MALE: Incidence Fatal
Prostate Cancer: 33% Lung: 31%
Lung Cancer: 13% Prostate: 10%
Colorectal Cancer: 10% Colorectal: 10%
Bladder Cancer: 7% Pancreatic: 5%
Cutaneous (skin) Melanoma: 4% Leukemia: 4%
FEMALE:
Breast Cancer: 32% Lung: 27%
Lung: 12% Breast 15%
Colorectal (Bowel): 11% Colorectal: 10%
Endometrial (Uterus): 6% Ovarian: 6%
Lymphoma (non-Hodgkin): 4% Pancreatic: 6%
Figures on Pancreatic Cancer are vague but the survival rate is, tragically, quite poor. Due to the difficulty in spotting the symptoms, the disease is usually advanced by the time a visit to the doctor is made and then surgery is often out of the question. The fact that only around 13-15% of people survive a full year after diagnosis, shows what a belligerent form it is. Of those, only 15% or so will survive for five years.
Once again, what we would describe as “good living” is the key to giving ourselves some protection against the various forms of Cancer. Eat healthily, exercise daily, (No need to do anything strenuous), do not smoke, drink in moderation and try to keep a cheerful outlook.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Some causes of Cancer.
There are many causes of cancer in its various forms and, in general, the way to give yourself a better chance is ‘clean’ living.
Probably, the most commonly known cause of the disease is smoking. As some people smoke all their adult lives and live into their nineties and maybe beyond, many still believe that smoking is not a major cause; it is simply the ‘luck of the draw.’ This view is a serious misconception. Smoking accounts for around 90% of lung cancer. It can also result in cancer of the head, the larynx, then throat, the stomach, the bladder, the kidney and the pancreas. Not just cigarette smoking but also pipe smoking. Around a third of all cancer deaths is caused by tobacco with around 20% in underdeveloped countries, Clearly, tobacco really is a nasty customer that should be completely avoided.
Too much alcohol consumption can also assist the onset of cancers, although not being the absolute cause. Exposure to radiation from industrial employment may be a cause for a lawsuit and thus the engagement of a suitable lawyer but smoking can only be a voluntary option and therefore not a cause for litigation. All packs of cigarettes and tobacco now carry prominent warnings and, it has to be said, compensation can be of little use to a person incapacitated through the ravages of smoking and of no use to one who is dead.
Such things as exposure to radiation and ultra-violet rays from the Sun or too much use of sunbeds, can be a cause of skin cancers and caution should always be exercised.
I have already reported on asbestos cancer, Mesothelioma, but this should be included in this section a major cause.
The above does not mean that life cannot be enjoyed, it merely highlights the benefit of moderation in all things.
Probably, the most commonly known cause of the disease is smoking. As some people smoke all their adult lives and live into their nineties and maybe beyond, many still believe that smoking is not a major cause; it is simply the ‘luck of the draw.’ This view is a serious misconception. Smoking accounts for around 90% of lung cancer. It can also result in cancer of the head, the larynx, then throat, the stomach, the bladder, the kidney and the pancreas. Not just cigarette smoking but also pipe smoking. Around a third of all cancer deaths is caused by tobacco with around 20% in underdeveloped countries, Clearly, tobacco really is a nasty customer that should be completely avoided.
Too much alcohol consumption can also assist the onset of cancers, although not being the absolute cause. Exposure to radiation from industrial employment may be a cause for a lawsuit and thus the engagement of a suitable lawyer but smoking can only be a voluntary option and therefore not a cause for litigation. All packs of cigarettes and tobacco now carry prominent warnings and, it has to be said, compensation can be of little use to a person incapacitated through the ravages of smoking and of no use to one who is dead.
Such things as exposure to radiation and ultra-violet rays from the Sun or too much use of sunbeds, can be a cause of skin cancers and caution should always be exercised.
I have already reported on asbestos cancer, Mesothelioma, but this should be included in this section a major cause.
The above does not mean that life cannot be enjoyed, it merely highlights the benefit of moderation in all things.
Diseases Related With Asbestos
There are five main types of asbestos-related diseases.
Pleural Plaques
Diffuse Pleural Thickening
Asbestosis
Asbestos-related Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma
When you are referred to hospital, your consultant will explain to you which disease you have. It is very important that you know exactly which disease you are suffering from because the Jobcentre Plus will want to know the exact diagnosis if you are claiming benefits.
Sometimes your consultant might tell you that you have “signs of asbestos in your lungs” or that you have an “asbestos-related disease”. You will need to ask exactly what sort of asbestos-related disease you have. It is useful to ask your consultant to circle or tick one of the diseases listed in this booklet or on our leaflet. You will then be certain about what information to give to the Benefits Agency or to your solicitor.
Diagram of the lung
Pleural Plaques
Diffuse Pleural Thickening
Asbestosis
Asbestos-related Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma
When you are referred to hospital, your consultant will explain to you which disease you have. It is very important that you know exactly which disease you are suffering from because the Jobcentre Plus will want to know the exact diagnosis if you are claiming benefits.
Sometimes your consultant might tell you that you have “signs of asbestos in your lungs” or that you have an “asbestos-related disease”. You will need to ask exactly what sort of asbestos-related disease you have. It is useful to ask your consultant to circle or tick one of the diseases listed in this booklet or on our leaflet. You will then be certain about what information to give to the Benefits Agency or to your solicitor.
Diagram of the lung
The diagram of the lung shows the windpipe and the bronchus through which you breathe air into your lungs, and then into the very fine air sacs, the alveoli at the base of the lungs. The pleural cavity, shown on the diagram, allows space for the lungs to expand and contract as you breathe air into them. The pleura has fine membranes lining the chest wall and the lungs.
Types of Asbestos Diseases
Some of the symptoms of the diseases below occur commonly and don’t necessarily mean that you have an asbestos disease. That is why it is important to get a clear diagnosis of your symptoms.
Pleural Plaques
Pleural plaques are localised, well-defined areas of pleural thickening, rather like calluses on other parts of the body. They are patches of tough sinewy tissue formed on the pleura on the chest wall. The pleura is a two-layered membrane surrounding the lungs, shown on the diagram. Sometimes these plaques are ‘calcified’ and may be referred to as ‘calcified pleural plaques’. Your consultant will be able to see these on an X-ray.
Usually, you will not experience any symptoms of breathlessness or discomfort because of pleural plaques and it is unlikely that you will know that you have them. Pleural plaques are seen as the least serious form of asbestos disease and are not in themselves dangerous. But, they are seen as an indicator of exposure to asbestos and there is a small chance, because of that exposure, that you may develop one of the other types of asbestos disease in the future.
You cannot claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for pleural plaques.
The Dept. for Works and Pensions does not consider pleural plaques a disease for which you may claim benefits. The House of Lords will hear an appeal in 2007 of the courts’ decisions to disallow claims in common law, which were permitted for the past 20 years.
Diffuse Pleural Thickening
Diffuse pleural thickening is similar in appearance to pleural plaques, but the ‘thickening’ is more widespread and may involve both layers of the pleura. As with pleural plaques, one or both lungs may be affected. Diffuse pleural thickening can cause breathlessness and because of this it is considered to be more serious than pleural plaques. This thickening or ‘fibrosis’ can be identified sometimes through clinical examination, but is usually diagnosed by X-ray.
Sometimes a build up of fluid in the pleural cavity occurs before diffuse pleural thickening develops. This condition is called a ‘pleural effusion’ and can cause breathlessness and, in some instances, pain. It can take up to 10 to 20 years to develop pleural plaques and pleural thickening after exposure to asbestos.
You can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit from the Dept. for Works and Pension for diffuse pleural thickening if you were exposed to asbestos at work. You can also claim compensation from your employer through the courts if you were negligently exposed to asbestos, or from the DWP if your employer is no longer trading
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is the most widely known disease associated with asbestos exposure. Many people think that asbestosis is a cancer, but this not the case. Asbestosis is also sometimes called “interstitial pulmonary fibrosis”. Simply, this means that the lung itself is damaged by the body’s inflammatory reaction to asbestos fibres. The inflammation results in scar tissue, or fibrosis, building up in the interstitium (or tissue between the air sacs). The build up of fibrosis reduces the elasticity of the lungs and they become stiff, making it less easy for the lungs to inflate on breathing.
Symptoms of asbestosis include breathlessness, especially on exertion, a dry cough, and chest tightness. Asbestosis may progress even after exposure has ceased and it cannot be reversed. However, the extent of the progression varies widely, as does the effects on breathing. It can take up to 20 years for asbestosis to develop, but this time scale may vary either way.
You can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit from the Benfits Agency for asbestosis if you were exposed to asbestos at work. You can also claim compensation from your employer through the courts if you were negligently exposed to asbestos, or from the DWP if your employer is no longer trading
Lung Cancer associated with Asbestos
Workers exposed to asbestos have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. This risk is greatly increased if the person exposed to asbestos also smokes. Because it is very difficult to distinguish lung cancer caused by asbestos and that caused by smoking or other environmental pollutants, it is often very difficult to get a clear diagnosis of asbestos-related lung cancer.
Because of these diagnostic difficulties the Dept. for Works and Pensions does not accept a diagnosis of asbestos-related lung cancer unless the person also has a diagnosis of asbestosis as well as lung cancer, or has worked in 4 specified manufacturing industries for a specified period of time:
- The manufacture of asbestos textiles
- Spraying asbestos
- Asbestos Insulation Work
- Applying or removing materials containing asbestos in the course of shipbuilding
* Where any or all of the exposure occurs before 1.1.75 for a period of, or periods which amount in aggregate to. 5 years or more
or
*Where the exposure occurs from 1.1.75, for a period of or periods which amount in aggregate to, 10 years or more.
The treatment for asbestos-related lung cancer is the same as that for lung cancer generally. Although treatment is decided individually for each patient, it is generally accepted that the earlier the diagnosis the better the outcome of the treatment. Early lung cancer can sometimes be cured by surgery and some forms of lung cancer can be treated with chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is often given to improve the symptoms of lung cancer.
You can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit from the Dept. for Works and Pensions for asbestos-related lung cancer if you were exposed to asbestos at work. You can also claim compensation from your employer through the courts if you were negligently exposed to asbestos, or from the DWP if your employer is no longer trading.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma used to be a relatively rare cancer. It is also known as “diffuse” or “malignant mesothelioma”. It can affect the pleura (the lining of the lungs), and less commonly, the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). It can also affect the pericardium (the area around the heart). It is a very aggressive cancer for which there is presently no known cure. This cancer can take up to 50 years to develop and is almost always associated with exposure to asbestos, which can in some cases be of short duration. Cigarette smoking does not cause mesothelioma.
Unlike other asbestos diseases, mesothelioma is not ‘dose related’. It is possible to develop mesothelioma as a result of short periods of exposure to asbestos. People have died of mesothelioma as a result of living near to asbestos factories or living with someone who worked with asbestos and brought dust home on their clothes.
An early sign of mesothelioma is an effusion (a build-up of fluid) in the pleural space around the lung or the peritoneal space in the abdomen that can cause pain and breathlessness. Sometimes it is very difficult to make a diagnosis of mesothelioma and more than one biopsy (very small sample tissue) is sometimes needed. However, the Dept. for Works and Pensions specifically states that it is not justifiable for the purposes of benefit claims to require lung or pleural biopsies.
Although there is no treatment at the present time for mesothelioma, research and clinical trials are taking place. There are helpful treatments that deal with the symptoms, such as removing fluid from the pleural space to relieve breathlessness. There is also a procedure known as ‘pleurodesis’, which may be carried out to prevent the fluid re-accumulating in the pleural cavity. Pain, which is often associated with this illness, can be controlled successfully. Macmillan nurses are specialists in managing this illness and have produced an excellent booklet giving advice about it. Please let us know if you would like a copy.
You can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit from the Dept. for Works and Pensions for mesothelioma if you were exposed to asbestos at work. You can also claim compensation from your employer through the courts if you were negligently exposed to asbestos, or from the DWP if your employer is no longer trading.
Numbers of people affected by asbestos diseases
Professor Peto of the Institute of Cancer Research has predicted that the number of people suffering from mesothelioma in the UK is likely to rise to around 3,000 per year in the next 20 years. The HSE say that there will be at least one asbestos-related cancer for each mesothelioma. This means that there could be up to 10,000 asbestos- related illnesses in the UK annually by the year 2020.
In fact, these estimates are quite conservative as some experts believe that there are many more asbestos-related lung cancers than officially recognised.
Types of Asbestos Diseases
Some of the symptoms of the diseases below occur commonly and don’t necessarily mean that you have an asbestos disease. That is why it is important to get a clear diagnosis of your symptoms.
Pleural Plaques
Pleural plaques are localised, well-defined areas of pleural thickening, rather like calluses on other parts of the body. They are patches of tough sinewy tissue formed on the pleura on the chest wall. The pleura is a two-layered membrane surrounding the lungs, shown on the diagram. Sometimes these plaques are ‘calcified’ and may be referred to as ‘calcified pleural plaques’. Your consultant will be able to see these on an X-ray.
Usually, you will not experience any symptoms of breathlessness or discomfort because of pleural plaques and it is unlikely that you will know that you have them. Pleural plaques are seen as the least serious form of asbestos disease and are not in themselves dangerous. But, they are seen as an indicator of exposure to asbestos and there is a small chance, because of that exposure, that you may develop one of the other types of asbestos disease in the future.
You cannot claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for pleural plaques.
The Dept. for Works and Pensions does not consider pleural plaques a disease for which you may claim benefits. The House of Lords will hear an appeal in 2007 of the courts’ decisions to disallow claims in common law, which were permitted for the past 20 years.
Diffuse Pleural Thickening
Diffuse pleural thickening is similar in appearance to pleural plaques, but the ‘thickening’ is more widespread and may involve both layers of the pleura. As with pleural plaques, one or both lungs may be affected. Diffuse pleural thickening can cause breathlessness and because of this it is considered to be more serious than pleural plaques. This thickening or ‘fibrosis’ can be identified sometimes through clinical examination, but is usually diagnosed by X-ray.
Sometimes a build up of fluid in the pleural cavity occurs before diffuse pleural thickening develops. This condition is called a ‘pleural effusion’ and can cause breathlessness and, in some instances, pain. It can take up to 10 to 20 years to develop pleural plaques and pleural thickening after exposure to asbestos.
You can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit from the Dept. for Works and Pension for diffuse pleural thickening if you were exposed to asbestos at work. You can also claim compensation from your employer through the courts if you were negligently exposed to asbestos, or from the DWP if your employer is no longer trading
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is the most widely known disease associated with asbestos exposure. Many people think that asbestosis is a cancer, but this not the case. Asbestosis is also sometimes called “interstitial pulmonary fibrosis”. Simply, this means that the lung itself is damaged by the body’s inflammatory reaction to asbestos fibres. The inflammation results in scar tissue, or fibrosis, building up in the interstitium (or tissue between the air sacs). The build up of fibrosis reduces the elasticity of the lungs and they become stiff, making it less easy for the lungs to inflate on breathing.
Symptoms of asbestosis include breathlessness, especially on exertion, a dry cough, and chest tightness. Asbestosis may progress even after exposure has ceased and it cannot be reversed. However, the extent of the progression varies widely, as does the effects on breathing. It can take up to 20 years for asbestosis to develop, but this time scale may vary either way.
You can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit from the Benfits Agency for asbestosis if you were exposed to asbestos at work. You can also claim compensation from your employer through the courts if you were negligently exposed to asbestos, or from the DWP if your employer is no longer trading
Lung Cancer associated with Asbestos
Workers exposed to asbestos have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. This risk is greatly increased if the person exposed to asbestos also smokes. Because it is very difficult to distinguish lung cancer caused by asbestos and that caused by smoking or other environmental pollutants, it is often very difficult to get a clear diagnosis of asbestos-related lung cancer.
Because of these diagnostic difficulties the Dept. for Works and Pensions does not accept a diagnosis of asbestos-related lung cancer unless the person also has a diagnosis of asbestosis as well as lung cancer, or has worked in 4 specified manufacturing industries for a specified period of time:
- The manufacture of asbestos textiles
- Spraying asbestos
- Asbestos Insulation Work
- Applying or removing materials containing asbestos in the course of shipbuilding
* Where any or all of the exposure occurs before 1.1.75 for a period of, or periods which amount in aggregate to. 5 years or more
or
*Where the exposure occurs from 1.1.75, for a period of or periods which amount in aggregate to, 10 years or more.
The treatment for asbestos-related lung cancer is the same as that for lung cancer generally. Although treatment is decided individually for each patient, it is generally accepted that the earlier the diagnosis the better the outcome of the treatment. Early lung cancer can sometimes be cured by surgery and some forms of lung cancer can be treated with chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is often given to improve the symptoms of lung cancer.
You can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit from the Dept. for Works and Pensions for asbestos-related lung cancer if you were exposed to asbestos at work. You can also claim compensation from your employer through the courts if you were negligently exposed to asbestos, or from the DWP if your employer is no longer trading.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma used to be a relatively rare cancer. It is also known as “diffuse” or “malignant mesothelioma”. It can affect the pleura (the lining of the lungs), and less commonly, the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). It can also affect the pericardium (the area around the heart). It is a very aggressive cancer for which there is presently no known cure. This cancer can take up to 50 years to develop and is almost always associated with exposure to asbestos, which can in some cases be of short duration. Cigarette smoking does not cause mesothelioma.
Unlike other asbestos diseases, mesothelioma is not ‘dose related’. It is possible to develop mesothelioma as a result of short periods of exposure to asbestos. People have died of mesothelioma as a result of living near to asbestos factories or living with someone who worked with asbestos and brought dust home on their clothes.
An early sign of mesothelioma is an effusion (a build-up of fluid) in the pleural space around the lung or the peritoneal space in the abdomen that can cause pain and breathlessness. Sometimes it is very difficult to make a diagnosis of mesothelioma and more than one biopsy (very small sample tissue) is sometimes needed. However, the Dept. for Works and Pensions specifically states that it is not justifiable for the purposes of benefit claims to require lung or pleural biopsies.
Although there is no treatment at the present time for mesothelioma, research and clinical trials are taking place. There are helpful treatments that deal with the symptoms, such as removing fluid from the pleural space to relieve breathlessness. There is also a procedure known as ‘pleurodesis’, which may be carried out to prevent the fluid re-accumulating in the pleural cavity. Pain, which is often associated with this illness, can be controlled successfully. Macmillan nurses are specialists in managing this illness and have produced an excellent booklet giving advice about it. Please let us know if you would like a copy.
You can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit from the Dept. for Works and Pensions for mesothelioma if you were exposed to asbestos at work. You can also claim compensation from your employer through the courts if you were negligently exposed to asbestos, or from the DWP if your employer is no longer trading.
Numbers of people affected by asbestos diseases
Professor Peto of the Institute of Cancer Research has predicted that the number of people suffering from mesothelioma in the UK is likely to rise to around 3,000 per year in the next 20 years. The HSE say that there will be at least one asbestos-related cancer for each mesothelioma. This means that there could be up to 10,000 asbestos- related illnesses in the UK annually by the year 2020.
In fact, these estimates are quite conservative as some experts believe that there are many more asbestos-related lung cancers than officially recognised.
Saturday, 10 January 2009
ASBESTOS CANCER.
This is a disease obviously brought about by prolonged exposure to the very fine fibres contained in asbestos, a substance no longer used in the UK. The cancer is known as Mesothelioma.
Largely, it is an industrial disease that, at one time, was not protected against and men worked long hours breathing in the particles. These particles are so fine that they can be almost invisible to the naked eye and the problem was simply not recognized. Now, there are masks provided for any workers who have to operate with this dangerous substance.
Asbestos was widely used in industry as it was relatively cheap, durable and convenient. The problems arose when it was found necessary to cut the asbestos or demolish areas or buildings containing it. The fibres would easily mingle with the flying dust and then be breathed in by the unsuspecting worker.
Although for some time resisted by employers, ultimately they were forced to concede to the fact that asbestos was a dangerous substance and was a main cause of lung cancer. Due to this, litigation was launched and protective laws introduced.
There are many lawyers who specialize in bringing about successful compensation claims and it is advisable to seek one out should you be unfortunate enough to suffer lung problems having worked with asbestos, recently or in the past. The internet is a fine media in which to find one suited to your requirements. Simply search using the terms: Asbestos, Asbestos Lawyers, Mesothelioma or even Lung Cancer.
Some of the usual symptoms will appear if suffering from this problem, especially a risk of coughing blood. A similar ailment is known as ‘Farmer’s Lung,’ which holds a similar risk due to breathing in minute fibres from hay. This, too, can cause cancer of the lung.
Should you be at all concerned, visit your practitioner before visiting a lawyer!
Largely, it is an industrial disease that, at one time, was not protected against and men worked long hours breathing in the particles. These particles are so fine that they can be almost invisible to the naked eye and the problem was simply not recognized. Now, there are masks provided for any workers who have to operate with this dangerous substance.
Asbestos was widely used in industry as it was relatively cheap, durable and convenient. The problems arose when it was found necessary to cut the asbestos or demolish areas or buildings containing it. The fibres would easily mingle with the flying dust and then be breathed in by the unsuspecting worker.
Although for some time resisted by employers, ultimately they were forced to concede to the fact that asbestos was a dangerous substance and was a main cause of lung cancer. Due to this, litigation was launched and protective laws introduced.
There are many lawyers who specialize in bringing about successful compensation claims and it is advisable to seek one out should you be unfortunate enough to suffer lung problems having worked with asbestos, recently or in the past. The internet is a fine media in which to find one suited to your requirements. Simply search using the terms: Asbestos, Asbestos Lawyers, Mesothelioma or even Lung Cancer.
Some of the usual symptoms will appear if suffering from this problem, especially a risk of coughing blood. A similar ailment is known as ‘Farmer’s Lung,’ which holds a similar risk due to breathing in minute fibres from hay. This, too, can cause cancer of the lung.
Should you be at all concerned, visit your practitioner before visiting a lawyer!
Friday, 9 January 2009
CANCER SYMPTOMS
There are various symptoms that a cancer may be starting and it is imperative these are not ignored. You must not be afraid to test yourself and you must consult a medical practitioner immediately your suspicions are aroused. The practitioner can carry out basic checks and generally allay your fears. If the practitioner is in any way uncertain, you will probably be referred to a hospital so that a proper test can be carried out. Again, your fears may be allayed.
The most obvious symptom is the appearance of a small lump where none existed before. This does not, by any means, point to a malignant growth but it is wise to have it checked out with your GP. Lumps appear as one grows older for no apparent reason and most are of no danger whatsoever. Other signs can be a sore or blemish that does not heal or become better. Once more, the thing to do is visit your practitioner if you have any concerns.
Normally cancers are accompanied by unusual tiredness , a persistent, sometimes painful cough, bleeding, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), unusual swelling and sudden weight loss, all depending on the type of cancer. It goes without saying, that tiredness, coughing and weight loss can be attributed to other causes. Other signs can be anaemia and excessive sweating.
In cases of lung cancer, the signs will be more obvious to that particular area, the causes of which, such as Mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) and smoking.
Leukemia, of course, shows no outward sign such as a lump but a person is likely to suffer from unusual tiredness and listlessness. Other symptoms are as is common in most cancers as above.
The most obvious symptom is the appearance of a small lump where none existed before. This does not, by any means, point to a malignant growth but it is wise to have it checked out with your GP. Lumps appear as one grows older for no apparent reason and most are of no danger whatsoever. Other signs can be a sore or blemish that does not heal or become better. Once more, the thing to do is visit your practitioner if you have any concerns.
Normally cancers are accompanied by unusual tiredness , a persistent, sometimes painful cough, bleeding, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), unusual swelling and sudden weight loss, all depending on the type of cancer. It goes without saying, that tiredness, coughing and weight loss can be attributed to other causes. Other signs can be anaemia and excessive sweating.
In cases of lung cancer, the signs will be more obvious to that particular area, the causes of which, such as Mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) and smoking.
Leukemia, of course, shows no outward sign such as a lump but a person is likely to suffer from unusual tiredness and listlessness. Other symptoms are as is common in most cancers as above.
CANCER TRUTHS
Up until recently, the word ‘Cancer’ instilled fear into the heart. It was perceived to be a sentence of death with no chance of reprieve – and, in most cases it was so.
However, due to the fine and dedicated work of medical science, the fear is not nearly as great as once was. The all important research has paid vast dividends in today’s world and it is likely to improve even further in the years to come. In the not too distant past, the word itself was rarely uttered and even then in hushed tones or by mouthing it silently, such was the real dread, as though speaking the word would be followed by the disease!
What is cancer?
The medical term is: Malignant Neoplasm and it really is a nasty disease. It latches on and does its best to destroy everything around it and, eventually, the whole of the carrying body.
Cancer is not a single thing; it is a group of cells that grows uncontrollably, latches on to adjacent cells and destroys them. It can then spread through blood or lymph to other parts of the body. A bit like an invading army.
Unfortunately, cancer can affect all ages – literally from the womb to the grave. However, the risk increases, like most ailments, with age. It can lie dormant throughout much of a life cycle before finding its best moment for when to attack. Generally speaking, it starts to show as a growth of some kind, somewhere in, or on, the body. It can be as small as a pea to begin with. Of course, not all cancers are growths, as with Leukemia, for instance. Broadly, Leukemia is a take-over of red cells by white cells, through blood or bone marrow, reducing the ability for the body to fight disease and making the battle for recovery a much more difficult task. Like all forms of active cancer, it can lead to fatality.
All doom and gloom, isn’t it?
Well, no. As humans, if we are attacked, it is our intrinsic nature to fight back; to defend, to survive. And we do. The almost miraculous advances in technique, treatment and, yes, in the majority of cases, cure, over the last five or six years is astonishing and full of real hope. Things are better; we are more than holding our own; we are advancing.
There are several causes of cancer, such as exposure to Asbestos, the name for this being Mesothelioma. In later postings, I shall delve into these causes in an attempt to explain and suggest preventions to guard against the particular problems.
The essential part of this winning strategy is early diagnosis and I will deal with these aspects in future postings.
In the meantime, sleep better, worry less.
However, due to the fine and dedicated work of medical science, the fear is not nearly as great as once was. The all important research has paid vast dividends in today’s world and it is likely to improve even further in the years to come. In the not too distant past, the word itself was rarely uttered and even then in hushed tones or by mouthing it silently, such was the real dread, as though speaking the word would be followed by the disease!
What is cancer?
The medical term is: Malignant Neoplasm and it really is a nasty disease. It latches on and does its best to destroy everything around it and, eventually, the whole of the carrying body.
Cancer is not a single thing; it is a group of cells that grows uncontrollably, latches on to adjacent cells and destroys them. It can then spread through blood or lymph to other parts of the body. A bit like an invading army.
Unfortunately, cancer can affect all ages – literally from the womb to the grave. However, the risk increases, like most ailments, with age. It can lie dormant throughout much of a life cycle before finding its best moment for when to attack. Generally speaking, it starts to show as a growth of some kind, somewhere in, or on, the body. It can be as small as a pea to begin with. Of course, not all cancers are growths, as with Leukemia, for instance. Broadly, Leukemia is a take-over of red cells by white cells, through blood or bone marrow, reducing the ability for the body to fight disease and making the battle for recovery a much more difficult task. Like all forms of active cancer, it can lead to fatality.
All doom and gloom, isn’t it?
Well, no. As humans, if we are attacked, it is our intrinsic nature to fight back; to defend, to survive. And we do. The almost miraculous advances in technique, treatment and, yes, in the majority of cases, cure, over the last five or six years is astonishing and full of real hope. Things are better; we are more than holding our own; we are advancing.
There are several causes of cancer, such as exposure to Asbestos, the name for this being Mesothelioma. In later postings, I shall delve into these causes in an attempt to explain and suggest preventions to guard against the particular problems.
The essential part of this winning strategy is early diagnosis and I will deal with these aspects in future postings.
In the meantime, sleep better, worry less.
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